Graves not digger, Goldsmith gathering

I swallowed a radioactive Iodine pill this week and had some photos taken of my thyroid - all to determine once and for-all just what my health status is. My new endocrinologist here is DSM was a bit surprised that my first doc hadn't had me undergo a test to see if I have the Graves antibodies, so she set me up to do the tests Monday and Tuesday this past week.

I checked in at Mercy Nuclear Medicine to take the giant pill and followed up several hours later for the photos that were similar to X-Rays, but took longer and I was able to move as they were being taken. I enjoyed chatting with the techs as the pics were being taken - students at Mercy School of Nursing. On Thursday, Dr. Singaram's office called to say my thyroid indicated mild Grave's Disease. I must admit I was disappointed. I'd convinced myself that I didn't have the antibodies because I've been off the meds for two weeks and have felt okay.

Mild is better than full blown though, ay? So back on the low dose Methimizole (we Gravesters call it meth...). And shoot for remission. I see the doc in September and will see what she says then. In the meantime, my fingernails and hair are growing much better, so something is going right. Plus my physical therapist is happy with progress on my shoulder - I see the surgeon this week. Yeah I know...I'm keeping the medical community busy.

There were Goldsmiths galore this week! Except for Paul who was in Washington, D.C. for work - without a working phone. His Samsung crapped out the day he left. He was reviewing grants with others from around the country - staying not far from all the cool stuff in our nation's capitol. Too bad he couldn't take pictures...he was full of excitement when he arrived home on Thursday, full of stories from the week. I hope to go with him next time he heads that way.

Meyer kids with their momma and spouses

Paul's sister Carol's family was in town this weekend and we were glad to get to see them Thursday night, along with sister Jean and her hubby Dave - Mr. Lucky at the casinos lately. It was fun listening to Tom, Terry and Barb laugh together about their antic growing up in Farley, Iowa - especially the stories about when their cousins the Fox kids would visit. We liked seeing the great nieces and nephews too. Laughs galore. We hated to leave but needed to get ready for out next get-together with Goldsmiths - a trip to Port Washington, Wisconsin the next day.

On Friday when the US Cellular Store opened, we stopped in to see what was up with Paul's phone. It was beyond help - so we switched his information to my phone and I got a new iPhone. Yep - big change for this kid. I'm not an Apple person - so the learning curve is huge. I proved that on the way to Wisconsin when I somehow put a security code in twice that I didn't know...good thing it recognized my fingerprint until I could go to the Apple Store today (they were stellar there). What a dope I am. My children will be happy to know I will no longer carry my phone on my belt. It's a painful change for me - I imagine I'll lose the dang thing now...change is hard for an old broad.

The Goldsmith gathering was fab. Man I love those people! They are such a great bunch - all intelligent, kind and loving (or they fake it well...). They love to laugh. We got to see our nephew Joe who suffered a traumatic brain injury several years ago during a car accident. He's doing great! And our niece Karen, a physical therapist raising three sons (one looks definitely like a Gsmith) with her park ranger husband. Plus Paul's three brothers and three sisters (only Carol was missing due to her fam gathering in DMS - and Connie, who passed away) and all the spouses.

Mary checks out the buttons

Eight played golf on Saturday and the rest of us shopped. I went to a quilt store with the group - through not a seamstress myself I'm able to admire the work of others. Then we visited Cedarburg where I purchased some spices, had a nice sandwich and got a puzzle for Christmas! That night we ate at a brewpub (photos above). It was a great time - Denny score the traveling rooster as he'll soon attain the age of 70. Next year - the Golf Tourney will be in DSM. Be on the lookout for the Goldsmiths about this time next year! Listen for the sounds of love and laughter.